Interview #2: Training in Lockdown Interview with Jo Shepherd (INVOC)

As GB Orienteering Athletes are getting more and more used to the ‘new normal’, British Orienteering asks how lockdown restrictions have impacted on their daily and weekly training routines and drills.

British Orienteering is publishing a series of interviews this week with GB athletes. 

Here is an interview with Jo Shepherd of Inverness Orienteering Club.

Jo Shepherd

National Club: Inverness Orienteering Club (INVOC)

International Club: Halden SK 

Athlete Profile

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How have the current restrictions impacted on your training?
“I am fortunate to live in Norway where the restrictions have not been as harsh as in the UK, so I am still able to train outside more than once per day and drive within the local area to go orienteering on different maps. My club Halden SK has adapted well and we have had more than 20 training courses available so far that members can print at home and go to in their own time, including some "races" where we send in our GPS tracks to compare routes and times. Training with a few others is allowed so I have been doing intervals together with my clubmate Svetlana Mironova, which helps a lot with motivation. The restrictions have also meant that I am working from home and working reduced hours which has given me more time and flexibility for training and recovery.”

What advice have you got for other athletes or members in a similar position?

“Try to focus on the opportunities available in your particular situation rather than dwelling on the negatives. Perhaps you have some Strava segments nearby that could motivate you for a high-intensity session? Maybe now is the chance to try out some visualisation techniques? Can you work on your core and ankle stability so that you are less susceptible to injury and niggles when you return to racing?”

What is your number one Lockdown training session?

“My top indoor session is based on a 75min Youtube video of our club strength training that was made last year. Even though its super-tough, being able to see and hear my friends in the video with the familiar playlist and exercises makes it feel a bit like training with them again. Perhaps your club could do something similar, even with live online strength sessions, that can help you connect and motivate each other? I've also tried filling some rucksacks with heavy books and water bottles to wear while doing some of my usual gym exercises like bulgarian squats and step ups.”

Have you still been able to access support from your coach or orienteering athlete friends, and if so how?

“Yes it's possible to stay in touch through phone calls and video chat and our new club coach has also been emailing some feedback about my technical trainings based on the GPS routes I've sent him. We've also had a couple of online group catch-ups within the GB team to share advice and ideas which have been good.”

What box sets have you been able to catch up on during Lockdown?

“I'm not really into that but I've watched some short films about trail running and mountain sports for inspiration.”

Have you been doing any DIY tasks – anything you want to tell us about?

“One of the first things I did was fix my bike so that I had a back-up for getting to the further-away training maps in case driving was forbidden.”

Anything else you wish to share on any other aspects of Lockdown training?
“Take care.”

Thanks Jo.  It is great to hear from you.  Such motivational and inspiring advice. Thank you!  Some great ideas too.  We wish you all the best with your on-going training.

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As a sport, we must work together to resume orienteering responsibly as and when the relevant government determines it is safe to do so.

The Board of Directors at British Orienteering have committed to following the respective advice of each government, and therefore there are likely to be periods when types of orienteering activities permitted, vary between different parts of the UK, depending on the government guidelines and regulations.

The latest statement from British Orienteering can be found here.
Resumption of Orienteering